HRB Grade V Job Family (consisting of Services 2, R&I 2, Researcher 1 grades)

 

Background

The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory agency under the aegis of the Department of Health. As the lead agency in Ireland responsible for supporting and funding health research, generating health information and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice, we are motivated and inspired by our vision – for better health through excellent research, data and evidence. The HRB’s mission is to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care and creates solutions to societal challenges. An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in The HRB Strategy 2021-2025, Health research – making an impact, (HRB Strategy 2021-2025).

 

Key responsibilities of the post of Executive Assistant to the CEO

The HRB is operating in a dynamic environment where delivery of commitments under the Programme for Government, governance compliance, and stakeholder engagement are critical to success. The CEO’s responsibilities span high-level policy engagement, organisational transformation, and strategic project delivery, requiring dedicated support to ensure effective coordination and execution.

The HRB is now seeking to recruit a full time, permanent Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO. The Executive Assistant position will provide the necessary capacity to manage these demands by streamlining executive operations, enhancing communication flow, and supporting strategic initiatives.

This role will act as a central point of coordination for the CEO, enabling improved responsiveness and alignment with organisational priorities. Establishing this post ensures the CEO can focus on leadership and decision-making while maintaining operational efficiency and accountability.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

Executive Administration Support

  • Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements for the CEO and Executive/Management team.
  • Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external engagements.
  • Coordinate communications with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.
  • Prepare agendas, take minutes, and track follow-up actions from executive meetings.
  • Handle confidential correspondence and documents with discretion and professionalism.
  • Act as a gatekeeper and liaison between the CEO, internal stakeholders, and external partners.

Operational Coordination

  • Support planning and execution of strategic initiatives and projects led by the CEO or Executive team, including support of Programme for Government commitments.
  • Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and briefing materials for strategic projects.
  • Support, where applicable, logistics for board meetings, leadership offsites, and corporate events.

Communication and Relationship Management

  • Draft and manage internal and external communications on behalf of the CEO.
  • Build strong relationships across departments to facilitate collaboration and information flow.
  • Represent the executive office with professionalism and integrity in all interactions.

Essential knowledge and experience

This role profile reflects the grade/responsibilities appropriate to Administrative Assistant (Grade 3) in the HRB and maps approximately to a Civil Service role at Clerical Officer level.

The Administrative Assistant will interact with HRB staff and HRB stakeholders and should therefore have an interest in research and health environments.

 

Formal requirements include:

  • An NFQ Level 6 Qualification (Advanced Certificate / Higher Certificate or higher ideally in Business Administration, Executive or Office Management,  Public Administration with a minimum of four years relevant administrative experience, including Senior EA / PA / Executive Support roles

or

  • A minimum NFQ Level 5 qualification with at least six years’ relevant experience providing high‑level administrative or executive support to senior management in a complex organisation.
  • Demonstrated experience in high‑level diary and inbox management, ideally with experience progressing confidential governance matters and providing Board / Committee support
  • A high degree of computer literacy, including knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook and experience of databases
  • Experience of managing and prioritising a diverse workload
  • Strong written and oral communication skills

 

Desirable requirements include:

  • Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a similar role supporting senior leadership.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  • High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

 

Competencies

Competencies incorporated into this role profile reflect the competency framework issued in conjunction with the Civil Service Competency Framework which has been adopted by the HRB.  A comprehensive list of expected competencies ca be found at Executive Assistant to the CEO (EA) Competency Framework

Reporting relationship

The Executive Assistant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and operate as a key member of the Executive Office. This role works closely with the Executive and Management team, Head of Governance and the Head of Human Resources to support  seamless coordination of strategic priorities, governance processes, and organisational commitments, including the Programme for Government. While the position does not have direct reports, it requires significant influence and collaboration across departments to support the CEO in delivering organisational objectives.

Salary scale:

Salary Range for Executive Assistant to the CEO (Grade V)                                              € 52,235 to € 62,485

Note:  this post is a permanent, full-time position

Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants to the public service will be appointed at the first point of the scale.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by email to recruitment@hrb.ie.  You must include the name of the post that you are applying for in the email subject line.

Closing Date for applications is NOON on 02 June 2026

NOTE:  Interviews are expected to be carried out at the HRB offices on 17 June 2026.

 

 

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer at recruitment@hrb.ie or refer to the recruitment page on the HRB website at http://www.hrb.ie/about/recruitment/  for full details on this campaign.

The Health Research Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, membership of the Travelling community or family status. If you have a disability and require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process, please contact HR in advance and we would be happy to assist.

 

 

Please Note:

To be eligible to apply for this competition, candidates must be nationals of a European Economic Area (EEA) Member State or otherwise have a current and valid legal entitlement to work in Ireland.

Candidates who do not meet this requirement will be deemed ineligible.